Tower Creek spills about 132 feet (40 m) between pinnacles of eroded volcanic rock just before it joins the Yellowstone River. The overlook is only a few minutes’ walk from the parking area beside the general store, so it is an easy stop on the drive between Canyon and Mammoth.
A few miles north is Tower-Roosevelt, where the road to Lamar Valley branches off; its rustic Roosevelt Lodge cabins are named after Theodore Roosevelt. South of Tower the road climbs over Dunraven Pass, about 8,859 feet (2,700 m), the highest stretch of the Grand Loop and the trailhead for Mount Washburn.
What to see at Tower Fall & Tower-Roosevelt
Tower Fall overlook
A short paved path from the parking area leads to the overlook. The former trail down to the base of the fall has been closed for years because of erosion, so the overlook is the view.
Calcite Springs Overlook
Just north of the fall, the Calcite Springs Overlook looks down into the narrowest part of the Yellowstone River’s canyon, with columns of basalt on the far wall and small thermal springs at the water’s edge.
Roosevelt Lodge
A rustic lodge and cabins with a western-style dining room; in summer, horseback rides and wagon trips to an evening cookout have been offered. Book through the park concessioner.
Mount Washburn
From the Dunraven Pass trailhead, a former road climbs about 3 miles (5 km) to a fire lookout on the 10,243-foot (3,122 m) summit, with views over much of the park. Bighorn sheep often graze near the top. Snow can linger into early July.
Getting to Tower Fall & Tower-Roosevelt
- From Mammoth: about 20 miles (32 km) via Tower Junction.
- From Canyon: about 17 miles (27 km) over Dunraven Pass — this section opens later in spring than most roads; check opening dates.
- Parking: a smallish lot that fills at midday in summer; turnover is quick.
Tips before you go
- Black bears are often seen along the road between Tower and Mammoth.
- Pair the stop with Lamar Valley at dawn for a full northern-range morning.
- Road construction has affected the Tower to Canyon section in recent years; check current conditions.
Tours that visit Tower Fall & Tower-Roosevelt
These guided trips include Tower Fall & Tower-Roosevelt or pair well with it:
Small-group wildlife and nature tour from €275 Yellowstone Iconic Sights Tour - West Yellowstone & Big Sky
A full-day small-group tour of Yellowstone’s northern range, combining scenic drives with wildlife watching. The guide looks for bears, wolves and moose, and the itinerary takes in the area’s big viewpoints. Check the listing for the exact stops and pickup points.
- Yellowstone’s northern range
- Watch for bears, wolves and moose
- Small group with an expert guide
Naturalist-led wildlife tour from €292 From West Yellowstone: Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour by Van
Lamar Valley is a long drive from West Yellowstone, and this tour makes it worthwhile: a naturalist guide brings spotting scopes and binoculars and knows where to look for wolves, bears, bison and pronghorn. Strong reviews.
- Naturalist guide
- High-powered spotting scopes and binoculars
- Van with large windows
Private tour from €1999 per group Yellowstone: Private One-Day Grand Loop Tour
An ambitious private day around the entire Grand Loop — geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and wildlife. The price is per group, which makes more sense for a family or a few friends than for a couple.
- The whole Grand Loop in one day
- Geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and wildlife
- Price is per group
Two-day tour from €650 Jackson: 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour with Lunches
Two days is the minimum to see both halves of the Grand Loop, and this tour from Jackson does exactly that, staying overnight at Chico Hot Springs Resort or in Gardiner according to the option you choose. Very well reviewed.
- Both the upper and lower loops
- All major sights and wildlife areas
- Overnight at Chico Hot Springs or in Gardiner
